From: Department Legislative Officer

To: Marines of the Department

I have requested that Detachments appoint a Legislative Officer (LO, Det.)

According to the National Bylaws, a Legislative Officer should "Maintain contact with the Representatives in (their State Legislature) in regard to legislative matters affecting the interests and welfare of Marines and Veterans." To this end, the Department Legislative Officer(LO, Dept) will pass to the LO, Det. information regarding veteran’s legislation that can be promoted by Detachment members by contacting their local Delegates or Senators and asking them to support the bill. This is simple action requiring a phone call, e-mail, or a personal visit to the legislature's local office. This effort will provide our detachments with an additional plan for outreach and communication to our veteran’s community.

Additionally, periodic press releases from the Virginia Department of Veteran Services are sent out to your LO, Dept. for information which are forwarded for the LO’s, Det. distribution to all hands.

One of the larger problems that occur with veterans is that they don’t get the word. This is a national problem and I hope we in Virginia can help alleviate the situation and help our veterans with as much personal contact a possible.

I ask all Commandants to act on this request and send me the name of their LO, Det. I would like in addition to the name, their e-mail address, USPO address and phone no.

Thank you for your assistance. Semper Fi

John Bonnell,

Department Legislative Officer

757-686-8874 mcljbon@cox.net